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Ye Are the Branches: Grow, Flourish, Let God Abide



John 15:5-8King James Version (KJV)

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Dear Friends,

Most of my professional career has been spent working in library branches.  My first job was as a page in a library. 

My mind is centered on branches not just because of a life work that started when I was young teenager.  I am centered because Jesus the True Vine has identified me and every believer as a branch.  A branch that is connected to a strong and healthy tree will bring forth fruit. The power is in the root of the tree.

God has taught me the importance of being rooted and grounded. He has led me through low valleys and allowed me to view miraculous wonders from the top of high mountains.  All the while, whether in a valley or on a mountaintop, the Holy Spirit has kept me mindful that I am but a branch. Yet, branches have the power to effect change, touch lives, and to shine light in dark places. This is all possible while abiding in Christ the True Vine.

The Psalmist states it this way:

Psalm 1King James Version (KJV)

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Ye are the branches.  Grow. Flourish. Let God abide.

in Christ

Sis. Stephanie

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